What is a competent person?
Under Regulation 7 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, every employer must appoint one or more competent persons to assist them in meeting their health and safety obligations.
A competent person is someone with the necessary knowledge, skills, training and experience to recognise risks and help an organisation implement appropriate controls and procedures. This does not have to be an employee: many businesses choose to appoint an external health and safety consultant to fulfil this role, providing access to specialist expertise without the overhead of a permanent hire.
MAST Safety provides an experienced, external competent person service as part of our Health & Safety Consultancy offering, giving your business access to qualified health and safety expertise on an ongoing basis. We work alongside your management team to ensure your organisation meets its legal duties, manages risks effectively and maintains a safe working environment for everyone.
What does a competent person do?
As your appointed competent person, MAST Safety provides ongoing support across all areas of your health and safety management, including:
- Advising on compliance with current UK health and safety legislation
- Reviewing and developing risk assessments and safe working procedures
- Supporting the preparation and maintenance of health and safety documentation
- Assisting with health and safety policies tailored to your organisation
- Advising on RIDDOR reporting obligations
- Supporting you during HSE inspections or enforcement action
- Keeping you informed of relevant changes in legislation and guidance
Our aim is to be a practical, reliable resource your management team can call on when they need clear advice.
Your legal obligation
Many business owners are unaware of the specific legal requirement to appoint a competent person. Failing to do so is a breach of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations and can result in enforcement action, fines or prosecution, particularly if a workplace accident occurs.
In plain terms
Appointing MAST Safety as your competent person ensures this legal obligation is met and gives you access to professional health and safety support whenever you need it.
A practical alternative to a full-time safety manager
Hiring a full-time health and safety manager is a significant commitment, and for many businesses it is simply not the right solution. The costs involved, including salary, benefits, training and ongoing professional development, can be considerable.
Appointing MAST Safety as your external competent person gives you access to qualified, experienced consultants at a fraction of the cost. You receive professional advice and practical support tailored to the size and risk profile of your business, without the overhead of a permanent member of staff.
This arrangement works particularly well for:
- Small and medium-sized businesses without an in-house safety team
- Growing organisations that need structured health and safety support
- Companies working in higher-risk sectors such as construction, manufacturing or warehousing
- Businesses seeking to achieve or maintain SSIP accreditations such as CHAS or Constructionline
Ongoing support, not just a one-off visit
At MAST Safety, we do not believe in a tick-box approach to health and safety. When we act as your competent person, we aim to become a genuine part of your team, providing consistent, proactive support that helps your organisation manage health and safety with confidence.
Our retained consultancy packages are designed to provide regular, structured support that keeps your business compliant and your workforce protected throughout the year.
Industries we support
Our consultants have experience working across a wide range of sectors and understand the specific challenges each one presents. We regularly act as competent person for businesses in:
- Construction and civil engineering
- Manufacturing
- Warehousing and logistics
- Retail and commercial premises
- Education
Why choose MAST Safety as your competent person?
- Qualified and experienced Our consultants hold recognised health and safety qualifications and have practical experience across a range of industries.
- Responsive and available We are accessible when you need advice, not just during scheduled visits.
- Practical, no-nonsense guidance We give you clear, straightforward advice that is easy to act on.
- Tailored to your business Our support is based on the actual size, risk profile and needs of your organisation.
- Partnership approach We aim to build long-term relationships with our clients, not simply provide a service and move on.
Related services
Explore the rest of our health & safety consultancy support.
Appoint your competent person
Tell us about your business, your sites and the duties you need covered, and we will confirm the right level of support and what it costs. No obligation.